Surrounded by ocean beaches and inland waters, Panama City is a great spot for outdoor vacation activities. Book a hotel in the city itself near Saint Andrews Bay or in one of the neighborhoods along the Gulf Coast shoreline. Enjoy typical beach activities of sunbathing, swimming, fishing, and kayaking or head inland, where fun family activities include golf, minigolf, go-karts, and more. Decide where to stay in the city or along the shore to minimize travel time and maximize fun time.
Where to stay
in Panama City
Best Places to Stay for Family Activities
Kids of all ages can appreciate the family-focused attractions here. Central Panama City is a great place to stay to visit the Science & Discovery Center of Northwest Florida, with exhibits and activities featuring dinosaurs, pirates, reptiles, and more. Stay slightly north of town in Lynn Haven to see rescue animals at the Bear Creek Feline Center. Hotels along the ocean in Laguna Beach are perfect for visiting Man in the Sea Museum to learn about the history of diving, from individual diving rigs to submarines to the underwater living space of SEALAB. Book a hotel in Gulf Resort Beach to enjoy Gulf World Marine Park as well as the waterpark, go-karts, and minigolf nearby.
Lynn Haven
Beaches, restaurants, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Lynn Haven. Check out St. Andrews Bay or Kaleidoscope Theater while you're exploring the area.
Laguna Beach
Beaches and golf courses are some things travelers note about Laguna Beach. Check out Pier Park or Frank Brown Park while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.
Recommended hotels in Gulf Resort Beach
Where to Stay for Beaches
The Gulf Coast has miles of white sand beaches. Stay in Rosemary Beach to have fun at its sandy beach, multiple swimming pools, beachfront promenade, and Town Center shopping areas. Nearby is Camp Helen State Park. Find accommodations close to the park for easy access to its biking, birding, and kayaking. Moving southeast, book a hotel in Laguna Beach for the pretty sandy section known as Carillon Beach, as well as Lake Powell, a coastal dune lake with fishing, swimming, beachcombing, and hiking. Archaeologists have documented 4,000 years of history in the area. Find hotels in Panama City Beach, where white sands stretch for miles and miles. Enjoy scuba, sunsets, and golf and visit ZooWorld, with flamingos, sloths, alligators, and giraffes.
Rosemary Beach
Rosemary Beach is known for its beaches, and you can plan a trip to Rosemary Beach and Alys Beach while you're in town.
Recommended hotels in Rosemary Beach
Laguna Beach
Beaches and golf courses are some things travelers note about Laguna Beach. Check out Pier Park or Frank Brown Park while you're familiarizing yourself with the larger area.
Panama City Beach
Panama City Beach is beloved for its stunning beaches. Take some time to explore sights in the area like Pier Park and Shipwreck Island Waterpark.
Recommended hotels in Panama City Beach
Great Areas to Stay for Outdoor Activities
Panama City borders pretty Saint Andrews Bay. Oaks by the Bay Park and St. Andrews Marina, to the west of central Panama City, are good spots to enjoy views of the bay. Try kayaking, paddleboarding, sailing, and kiteboarding on the bay or head to the ocean for charter fishing and dolphin-watching. North of town, Lynn Haven hotels are close to great golf opportunities. To the south, Upper Grand Lagoon accommodations are great for visiting St. Andrews State Park, which is filled with pines, dunes, birds, and butterflies. Beachcombing at Shell Island is always fun. About a 1-hour drive southeast, Port St. Joe is a great place to stay for snorkeling, fishing, and lounging on the beach. Stroll around the marina to watch fishermen hauling in their catch and then enjoy the delicious seafood, especially oysters, at nearby restaurants.
Lynn Haven
Beaches, restaurants, and shopping are just a few things travelers enjoy about Lynn Haven. Check out St. Andrews Bay or Kaleidoscope Theater while you're exploring the area.
Upper Grand Lagoon
The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Upper Grand Lagoon. A stop by Naval Support Activity Panama City or Panama City Beach Sports Complex might round out your trip.
Recommended hotels in Upper Grand Lagoon
Port St. Joe
Port St. Joe is known for its pristine beaches, and you can make a stop by Windmark Beach and St. Joseph Peninsula State Park while in the area.
Recommended hotels in Port St. Joe
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